Laura thought it was a fun, kicky wine good for easy going evenings on the patio. Jim and Judi thought the name suited it to a "t" and liked the bright red fruit and body. Kim called it spicy and very nice and Brian called it a heavy duty wine, "subtly sexy."
J Vineyards 2013 Vin Gris was next up and it garnered mixed reactions. Brian said "I like this. Astringent and bracing, like the beach in the morning when the waves come in."
Kim called it a big, bold California style wine and enjoyed the blend. It sells for $38. Last up was Bel Vino's 2011 Zinfandel. Tony said it was like a spicy Tootsie Roll. "Yum!" Brain said "I like this. It's soft and coats the tongue with a velvety dark fruit. The Barry Manilow of wine."
When I was invited to join seven other writers for an evening of food and wine at the Dudleys' home, I jumped at the opportunity. I had met Chef Max Manrique several times at Dudley's and had heard stories about his prowess in the kitchen that induced spontaneous drooling on my part.
After a jam-packed 1st day with the 11 other winners of the WBC or Bust contest, we left Seattle's Renaissance Hotel and headed west towards Walla Walla. 8:00 c...